2006 Ford F-150 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#17 most-complained of 21 F-150 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2006 Ford F-150 has 585 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 20 out of 100 — #17 highest of 21 F-150 model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is engine (178 complaints, 30% of the total). Complaints report 58 crashes, 18 fires, 42 injuries, and 1 death.
- Complaints
- 585
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 58 / 18
- Injuries / deaths
- 42 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13 city / 17 hwy
Top 2006 Ford F-150 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine178 (30%)
- Brakes96 (16%)
- Electrical System65 (11%)
- Fuel System59 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires58 (10%)
- Steering55 (9%)
- Airbags48 (8%)
- Structure & Body48 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain46 (8%)
- Other31 (5%)
2006 Ford F-150 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V107000Feb 23, 2011Airbags1,325,000 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 f-150 pick up trucks as well as certain model year 2006 lincoln mark lt vehicles. If the clockspring jumper wire comes in contact with the driver side frontal air bag lower horn plate, the wire insulation may become chafed, creating a potential for a short circuit. If this occurs the air bag warning lamp may illuminate indicating that service is required.
Risk: The driver side frontal air bag could inadvertently deploy increasing the risk of injury or loss of vehicle control if occurring while in motion.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or lincoln/mercury dealer to have a new clockspring jumper wire installed that incorporates a protective mesh cover. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This safety recall began on some vehicles in march 2011. The recall campaign on the expanded population is expected to begin on or about may 9, 2011. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
- NHTSA 08V208000May 7, 2008Brakes605,684 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford is recalling 605,684 my 2005-2006 f-150 and lincoln mark lt vehicles equipped with 5.4l 3-valve engines. The brake booster vacuum supply hose attached to the intake manifold fitting may swell over time and lose retention force. This condition could allow the hose to become detached from the fitting during an intake manifold backfire. Should the hose detach from the intake manifold, several brake applications with power assist will be available before the vacuum reserve is depleted.
Risk: Once the brake booster vacuum reserve is depleted, the driver will have foundation brake function, but with increased brake pedal effort. Reduced vehicle braking could lead to a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace a rubber hose on the brake booster vacuum supply tube assembly. The recall began on june 27, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- NHTSA 06V033000Feb 6, 2006Electrical System211,432 vehicles
Interior lighting
Certain pickup trucks fail to comply with either the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 105, 'hydraulic and electric brake systems' or fmvss no. 135, 'passenger car brake systems.' these vehicles were built with a software error in the instrument cluster.
Risk: This error could prevent the antilock brake system (ABS) warning light from illuminating if the ABS module ever became inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the instrument cluster in these vehicles. The recall began on february 27, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
2006 Ford F-150 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 17 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Ford F-150 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Ford F-150 ranks #17 of 21 among F-150 model years (Complaint Index 20/100, verdict: Best). It has 585 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford F-150?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (178 complaints), brakes (96 complaints), and electrical system (65 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 61,500 miles.
- Does the 2006 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2006 Ford F-150, most recently reported 2011, covering airbags, brakes, electrical system, and visibility & wipers.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2006 Ford F-150?
- EPA rates the 2006 Ford F-150 at 15 MPG combined (13 city / 17 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,300. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.